Earlier today, during a ceremony at Government House Dr. Ernest Peets was Sworn-In as the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports. His Excellency, the Governor, John Rankin administered the oath of office.
It was back on Thursday, November 5th, Premier David Burt announced Dr. Peets as a Senator and Government Leader in the Senate. Dr. Peets replaces Rolfe Commissiong, who was removed after being initially appointed as a Senator, Senate Leader, and the Minister responsible for Sports.
Dr. Peets was on hand on Saturday at the National Sports Center during the presentation of the World Tens Series Cup, but after some consultation before the presentation he was asked not to be a part of the presentation ceremony, however, he did get in on the celebration photo’s with the winners SX10.
Premier David Burt added, “Dr. Peets has a wide range of experience and he has been an outstanding member of the Bermuda community in a number of capacities. I have no doubt that he will excel in the role of Minister of Youth, Culture, and Sport. He has a passion for youth issues and cultural issues in our community, and as a certified football coach, he is familiar with our local sporting organizations. I look forward to working with him in this role.”
Dr. Peets has worked in a variety of human services environments, including Corrections, Probation & Parole, the Drug Treatment Court, and therapeutic communities, where he honed his addiction counseling and recovery skills. Dr. Peets is the Pastor of New Life Church of the Nazarene, a post he assumed in 1999.
Dr. Peets said, “This appointment is something for which I am very grateful. All of my skills, education, and experience have culminated wonderfully for this particular ministry. I pledge to give the people of Bermuda 110 percent.”
Dr. Peets continued, “The Ministry will develop a Government policy to engage the innovative and progressive ideas of our young people. As stated in the 2020 Throne Speech, Bermuda’s future must be built by those to whom it most belongs - our young people. This has been an extraordinary year of youth mobilization and activism. We will seek to engage our young people and harness their energy, creativity, and passion about the causes that are most important to them, by developing a National Youth Policy that supports and empowers this most critical segment of our community.”
Under Minister Peets’ portfolio, he will be responsible for the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation. He is also charged with developing the National Youth Policy and the National Cultural Heritage Policy.
